Sipsey Trail 206 to Needles Eye

Sipsey Trail 206 to Needles Eye is a 6.5 mile point-to-point trail located near Mt Hope, Alabama that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is accessible from March until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

6.5 miles897 feetPoint to Point

dog friendly

birding

hiking

nature trips

walking

views

wild flowers

wildlife

Lovely hike along Thompson creek, junction with FS208 and TR201
TR206 follows Thompson creek to its junction with hubbard creek to form the headwaters of the Sipsey river. The trail is one of the best maintained in the Sipsey system with wonderful views of the stream. There are a few confusing spots only one well marked the secret is always go left.

Very easy trail (3 miles in 1.5 hours with scouts) in spite of 12 hours of rain during 2 nights. Great rock formations such as Shiprock and Eye of Needle. Plenty of campsites on the trail especially along the creek. See map of area for variety of trails, scenery, and terrain.

Much work has been completed by volunteer groups along the Thompson Creek trail in the Sipsey Wilderness Area of Bankhead National Forest. Wild South has done an amazing job clearing the privet hedge and downed trees along this trail. In the Spring you will see the most beautiful wildflowers. Some species are quite rare. As you hike along the beautiful Thompson Creek you will go through a gorgeous Hemlock forest. The shade is so cool and the area is beautiful. After you follow the big bend to the right you will come to Ship Rock. There is a wonderful camping area at the base of the rock formation. Up in the rock is the Eye of the Needle. It is fun to go through the Eye and visit Trail 209 and the rapids along the Sipsey River on the other side of the Eye.

Hiked this trail on March 17, 2013. Trail was in great shape. Walked near to the junction with 201 - 209.

Mike H.

hiking

5 years ago

ONE Star right now. Backpacked the trail with the family in August. Large groupings of trees down. Trail is impractical. We went 1 1/2 miles in 4 1/2 hours. After camping, we hiked out via Thompson Creek, 1 hour. I recommend against using this trail until it is cleared. Check with Rangers for updates.Mike

Love Thompson Creek Trail 206! We have camped many times at Ship Rock/Eye of the Needle. If you go through the Eye of the Needle you can drop down to a truly beautiful section of the Sipsey River Trail 209 on the other side. I heard that the trail was blocked by trees from the April 2011 tornadoes in this area. I haven't been in the forest to find out. If you do an out and back, your gonna walk at least 6 miles.